Welchville Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Welchville, located in Oxford, Maine, is a timber crib dam constructed in 1860 on the Little Androscoggin River.


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Summary

This dam serves multiple purposes and has a storage capacity of 5232 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2544 acre-feet. The dam is 16 feet high and has a spillway width of 12 feet, making it a crucial water resource for the area.

Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Welchville is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Welchville has not been assessed for its condition as of its last assessment in 2017. The dam is also not equipped with Emergency Action Plans or inundation maps, raising concerns for risk management and emergency preparedness.

With its historical significance and essential role in water resource management, Welchville represents a valuable asset for the local community and highlights the importance of maintaining and assessing aging infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find Welchville an intriguing case study for exploring the intersection of historical infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1860

Dam Length

146

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Little Androscoggin

Primary Dam Type

Timber Crib

Surface Area

336

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

196

Nid Storage

5232

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.